|
ABOUT COLONICS |
|
|
|
History of Colon Irrigation (printer friendly version) Colon lavage was first recorded 1500 B.C., in the ancient Egyptian document, Ebers, Papyrus which dealt with the practice of medicine. These enemas were described as the infusion of aqueous substances into the large intestine through the anus. Hippocrates (4th & 5th century B.C.) recorded using enemas for fever therapy. Galen (2nd Century AD), also recognized and was a proponent of the use of enemas. Pare in 1600 AD, offered the first distinction between colon irrigation and the popular enema therapy of that age. Colon irrigation, since the turn of the century, has experienced periods of reaction. The factors that contributed mainly to the ambivalence primarily were due to the practice of colon irrigation by the untrained and unskilled, which was very detrimental to its professional growth. When colon irrigation gained the attention of such physicians as James A. Wiltsie, MD and Joseph E.G. Waddington, MD, great value was placed on the therapeutic benefits of this modality. The philosophy attributed to colon irrigation by certain physicians of this era was depicted by Dr. Waddington:" Abnormal functioning of the intestinal canal is the precursor of much ill health, especially of chronic disease condition. Restoration of the physiolic intestinal elimination is often the first, but too often ignored, important preliminary to eventual restoration of the health in general." Dr. Wiltsie contends that "our knowledge of the normal and abnormal physiology of the colon, and of its pathology and management, has not kept pace with that of many organs and systems of the body. As long as we continue to assume that the colon will take care of itself, just that long will we remain in complete ignorance of perhaps the most important source of ill health in the whole body." In summary, through misconceptions, misunderstandings and preconceived emotionalism, controversy has prevailed, but accomplished nothing. Historically, we recognize two unequivocal conclusions- First there is something of value to this modality or it would have been conclusively withdrawn; Second, that through lack of professional control and study, colon irrigation never received the attention and recognition it truly deserves Today, with modern technological advancements in colon irrigation instrumentation, particularly with regard to safety, along with educated and skilled hygienists, colon irrigation has become a valuable adjunctive modality to the physician in treating disease. At the time of this writing, colon irrigation is still relatively unknown and misunderstood. Combined with sound nutrition, exercise, and a positive mental and spiritual outlook, colon hydrotherapy can play an important role in achieving and maintaining vibrant health Theory of Colon Irrigation (printer friendly version) Colon irrigation is an extended and more complete form of an enema. The concept involves the mechanical process of infusing warm filtered water into the rectum with the objective of cleansing or evacuating the colon. This procedure removes fecal material from the colon walls and dilutes the bacterial toxic concentration in the large intestine. The procedure has provided assistance with constipation, diarrhea, acute fecal impaction, colitis, diverticulosis, parasitic infections, atonic colon, bowel stimulation and bowel training in para/quadriplegics, flatulence or bloating, mild hemorrhoids, intestinal toxemia, and nutrient supplementation. The cleansing effects of colon irrigation reduce stagnation and subsequent bacterial production in the colon and maintain harmony of intestinal flora for optimum health. Colon irrigation is not a cure all, but is a complementary approach in health care. The colon hygienist may gently manipulate the abdomen during the procedure to enhance the removal of waste material.The standard enema and colon irrigation utilizes the infusion of aqueous substances into the rectum. A standard enema involves the injection of water (one way) into the colon, which is retained and evacuated by the client. Colon irrigation is an instrument controlled continual bathing of the colon for cleansing and therapeutic purposes. There is no offensive odor or health risk to those in contact with a sick client, as with enemas and bedpans, and the dignity of the client is maintained. The enema's cleansing ability is limited to the area of the rectosigmoid and shorter periods of time because of the body's natural wish to expel material from the rectum. Colon irrigation extends beyond the natural expulsion area to offer greater cleansing and therapeutic benefits. In most cases, colon irrigation will remove impaction, parasites, intestinal flatus, and cellular debris, but is thought to cleanse and rejuvenate the portion of the immune system that resides in the intestinal tract (recent European studies indicate a greater portion located in the intestines than previously recognized). In summary, colon irrigation provides tubular and cellular drainage outwardly from the rectum and inwardly via the portal and mesenteric lymphatic system. Colon hydrotherapy, colonic irrigation, and colonics are all names used to frequently describe the service of Lower Bowel Evacuation. Colonic irrigation is a system used to instill water into the lower bowel where the pressure, temperature, and the flow of the liquid can be controlled to evacuate or cleanse the lower bowel. There is no odor. It is important to understand our body’s digestive system. However, in the process of understanding that system we will get to the bottom line, and that is “unfriendly bacteria” create a coating on the impacted fecal matter on the wall of the lower bowel which does not allow for proper absorption of nutrients and liquids. The colon is an organ/muscle. It measures approximately 3” in diameter and is between 5 ½’ to 6’ long. The colon moves matter along through the action of peristalsis or a “caterpillar type” action. The colon is basically responsible for two activities: 1) elimination of waste, and 2) absorption of liquid or water back into the body. The large intestine dehydrates the feces. The colon is the sewer system of the body. The average colon carries anywhere from 5 to 25 meals worth of waste by-products in it. The average meal is about 1 pound. How often should we eliminate? HOW MUCH ARE YOU EATING? The colon will accommodate- depending on your frame and size and the distention and age of the organ- anywhere from 6 to 12 meals. When you think about displacement… what should happen when you eat? Eat 3 meals- eliminate 3 meals (displacement). When the colon is full and you ingest a meal- a meal should come out. The colon was a garbage can and we’re now trying to make it become a trash compactor! Studies indicate within 2 hours after you eat you should eliminate. The norm in this country is once a day. Note- I didn’t say “that’s normal nor did I say that’s healthy.” In this country we are told colon cancer and lung cancers are the #1 killers. Health is proper detoxification and elimination. Health is eliminating to the maximum. That feeling we identify as “yucky” is due to recycling toxins from the colon back into the body. The liquids that the colon absorbs are recycled back to two parts of our body- 1) the blood system through the liver and eventually to the heart and 2) the lymphatic system. As a consequence of recycling the toxins the organs get tired and become less efficient. Poor elimination can be affecting your thinking. Colon Therapeutics recommends a 10-week detoxification series. It has been observed that on the average a person between the ages of 20 and 40 years generally has the capability of cleaning the large intestine from the anus to the cecum. During the 10-weeks our objective is to remove all dehydrated, compressed and compacted or impacted matter that may have attached itself to the walls of the colon that is hampering the peristaltic action for proper elimination. CAN COLONIC HYGIENE CURE BOWEL DISEASE? Curing bowel disease or other illnesses is up to you and any medical professional you choose. We do not treat any diseases or illnesses. Yet, doesn't it seem that removing irritating toxins and chemicals accumulated in the colon would be helpful? Colonic Hygiene is complementary to any recommendations or programs ol your health care professional. We can establish protocol with them. IS IT A MEDICAL PROCEDURE? No more medical than washing your hands. It's a cleansing process IS IT EMBARRASSING? The procedure is done with modesty for both client and Technician. The finest professional equipment is used, facilitating total sanitation and efficiency. All you feel is gentle and thorough cleansing in a relaxed, comfortable environment. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? 40-60 minutes… on an average 45 minutes. IS THERE PREPARATION BEFORE? We recommend that you do not eat 2 hours before the colonic. Drinking plenty of purified water right up until the colonic usually increases the chances for a successful colonic. HOW DO YOU FEEL AFTER THE COLONIC? The body may feel weary or relaxed, this is simply your body working-out and processing through its cleansing process; so proper rest is important for your body to recuperate and rejuvenate. The day after a colonic many people report feeling great and having lots of energy. IF YOU ELIMINATE ON A REGULAR BASIS DO YOU NEED COLONICS? What’s regular for you? 2 or 3 times per day? Just because you’re eliminating regularly doesn’t mean that there isn’t a potential problem. Colon therapy is also helpful in reducing the congestion of the liver and lymphatic system. ISN'T IT LIKE AN ENEMA AND CAN YOU BECOME DEPENDENT ON THIS? Actually no. We’re not going to let you rely on us because we’re going to give you information about your diet that will, from a nutritional standpoint, contribute toward serving as an intestinal broom, as it were. WHAT SYMPTOMS INDICATE THAT COLONICS MAY BE HELPFUL? • Allergies • Gas/Bloating • Constipation • Hemorrhoids • Indigestion • Backache • Colds/Flu • Sore Throat • Sinus and/or Lung Congestion • Swollen Lymph Nodes • Coated Tongue • Bad Breath • Skin Problems • Cold Hands and/or Feet • Swelling of Legs • Overweight/Underweight • Extended Abdomen • Improper Posture • Poor Appetite • Fatigue • Headaches • Depression/Irritability • Lack of Sexual Response • Loss of Memory /Concentration • Anxiety, Worry, Tension • Female/Menstrual Problems Colonics actually strengthen, tone, and exercise the colon no matter whether you have constipation or diarrhea or you’re eliminating 2 or 3 times per day. When you instill water into the lower bowel and create a HEAD or a pressure that is pushing down on the anal sphincter muscle the colon’s natural neuro-response is to push it out based on the weight. The average person can hold an amount of water that fills the descending colon by about 1/3 to ½. That water will create a pressure on the anal sphincter that will simulate the weight of feces and say “its time to let go”. By instilling water into the lower bowel you are initiating peristalsis. The colon is an organ/muscle so by initiating peristalsis- like any muscle, it strengthens itself. The Gastroenterology Devise we use at Colorado Colonics has been developed with efficiency, integrity, and quality of products as its goal. The Jimmy John III is a lower bowel evacuation system which is registered for market as a medical device. Our foremost concern is the client’s safety, comfort, modesty and cleanliness. We feel the best clients are the informed clients. God helped us create the body we have- it’s your responsibility to keep it working. Many people go to their physician and say “fix me.” That’s inappropriate! Even though great strides have been made in the medical and chiropractic science- it’s not the physicians obligation to fix, but to help restore and guide us back to health and wellness. We have left no stone unturned to make available to the community the latest and most up-to-date piece of equipment on the market. It is our belief that lower bowel evacuation is a primary alternative to returning the colon back to a state of healthy wellness. Your digestive tract is your body’s plumbing system…the anus is the clean-out. Why try to clean out the colon by putting cleansers in by mouth-32 feet away from your clean out!! Colonic irrigation is a much more elegant way of cleaning your plumbing. An especially popular feature of our device is the rectal nozzle- it measures only 5/16” in diameter, is individually packaged, and completely sterile. That’s a major factor in your awareness of some of the communicable diseases around today. Another feature on the device is a state-of-the-art filtering system for the water. Both hot and cold water is filtered as it enters the device. As that filtered water enters the rectal nozzle it is sterilized by ultraviolet. The water entering the body is as pure as possible. Acidophilus is a vitally important nutrient in creating and maintaining a “friendly environment” in the colon. Our device is capable of implanting acidophilus. This service lays a layer of the acidophilus over the freshly washed colon wall slowing down the growth of “unfriendly” bacteria. Why Colon Irrigation (printer friendly version) Diseases and functional disturbances of the digestive organs are the most frequently complained about problems today. The health of most organs as well as our overall well being depends upon how well our bowel (intestine) functions. A change in diet after many years of wrong eating habits does not assure optimal colon health. Consider these current medical facts:
These facts demonstrate that the medical profession recognizes the important part, which the colon plays in health and disease. In all sickness, the status of the bowel is inquired into as a matter of routine and a laxative or enema prescribed when indicated. Research has shown that regular use of refined carbohydrates and lack of fiber in the diet increases the transit time of bowel wastes and stimulates putrefaction in the colon. Both of these factors have been linked to constipation and certain bowels diseases such as divirticulitis, colitis, and colon cancer, which have a high success rate for cure with surgical management when detected early. The American Cancer Society has provided evidence in recent years which suggests that bowel cancer is caused by environmental agents such as; pesticides and herbicides sprayed on crops, hormones and antibiotics fed to animals and carcinogenic agents in the air we breathe. Periodic cleansing could minimize exposure of these potential carcinogens to the colon wall. Common Concerns about Colon Irrigation Laxatives vs. Colon Irrigation Laxatives act as chemical irritants and stimulate the muscular walls of the colon to abnormally contract to expel the irritating substances. It is very easy to become dependent upon these drugs and permanently destroy the normal ability of the colon to eliminate naturally of its own accord. The oral route of administration is the least optimal method of evacuation of the large intestine. Very important digestive processes occurring higher up in the alimentary tract ( stomach and small intestine) are interfered with. Most laxatives and other cathartics precipitate dehydration in the client. Colon irrigation alternately fills and empties the colon and would improve the hydration status of the client. What about Possible Electrolyte Depletion in the Colon? (printer friendly version) Electrolytes or minerals are elements that are responsible for cell function throughout the body. When the body is properly nourished with good quality organic foods containing sodium, potassium, and magnesium, the electrolyte level of the colon is replenished as part of the diet. There is no way I would know if a person is electrolyte deficient, so as a safe guard, I provide my clients with an Emer`gen –C drink after they have a colonic to supplement these minerals. MT. CAPRA Mineral Whey is an excellent product that I sell which has an array of minerals and electrolytes. Will the Intestinal Flora be disturbed by Colon Irrigation? The intestinal flora are billions of microscopic organisms including bacteria, yeast, fungi, and viruses which inhabit the bowel and play a very important role in health and disease. Bacteria synthesize valuable nutrients and proper balance of these microorganisms is essential to a healthy colon. The large intestine (colon) is producing bacteria on a daily basis and adherence to proper nutrition will enhance the colon's ability to maintain balance following colon irrigation. The physician may elect to prescribe lacto Bifidus/bacillus culture to facilitate this process and incorporate low fat, cultured, dairy products (yogurt, etc.) into the client/ patient's dietary program. Because of the wide use and abuse of antibiotics, poor diet, and many other reasons, most people have an imbalance of good and bad bacteria. During a colonic you will clean out bad bacteria, but unfortunately you will also lose some good bacteria. When doing colonics it is always wise to replace the intestinal flora with a quality probiotic. Two probiotics that I like and sell are Metagenics Ultra Flora Plus DF Capsules and Garden of Life, Primal Defense. What about Possible Contamination? Following a colon irrigation treatment, the device is thoroughly cleansed and disinfected. A potent germicidal solution is used to properly disinfect the device and its contents are not harmful to the colon environment. When the disinfecting is completed, the device is generously cleansed with water clearing the germicidal solution from the device. The colon irrigation device has several check valves in it to prevent the waste water from returning to the water supply. In addition, a single use disposable prepackaged rectal nozzle which is disposed of following each session, ensures against any possible contamination to the client. *Some information being used in the About Colonics section of this website, is from Colon Therapeautics Research Institute, and is used in their school for certification in Colon Hydrotherapy. **Personal Disclaimer. Teri Hart is not a Medical Doctor and is not attempting to portray, or conduct the activities of a Medical Doctor. Teri does not diagnose or attempt to cure or treat any condition and does not imply and makes no claims to cure or treat any condition. Teri does not claim that any supplemental material she may speak about will cure any condition, or that it's purpose is to treat any condition. Teri does not prescribe or treat disease, however, she does attempt to educate you about foods, diet, and exercise as long as it is not contrary to the recommendations of your primary healthcare provider or physician |
